Have you ever wondered what the chances of a team winning were based on the money line for the game? How to convert the odds to probabilities is a key part of understanding money line bets. First, we have a simple calculator that you can use to plug in any moneyline (American-style odds) and quickly… Read More »
Is the -3 favorite on the spread a better bet than laying -150 on the moneyline? The answer depends on how many points the spread is worth in win probability, and that number changes by sport because scoring variance isn’t the same in the NFL as it is in college basketball. This calculator takes a… Read More »
A futures ticket that survived to the final round puts you one game from a full payout or nothing. The question is how much to bet on the other side right now to walk away with a guaranteed profit either way. The answer depends on your original stake, the odds you got on the ticket,… Read More »
Two spreads move six points your way, but what does that actually pay, and do the points cross the numbers that matter? A teaser calculator answers both halves of that question at once. The payout depends on how many legs you’re teasing, how many points the card gives you, and the price that book posts… Read More »
Most bettors judge themselves by whether last week was a winning week. That tells you almost nothing, since a handful of good or bad results can happen to anyone regardless of skill, and it takes a huge sample before win-loss record separates luck from edge. This calculator takes the odds you bet and the closing… Read More »
Jump to Basics Payouts Best Numbers 6-Points 6.5-Points 7-Points 10-Points Totals I have been making profits betting NFL teasers for years and my teaser of the week has become one of the most visited pages on the site due to its consistent success. Simply put, they are beatable and you should add this bet type to your gambling arsenal… Read More »
Learn About Online Betting Vegas Sports Betting Reading Lines Points Spreads Moneylines Totals The Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the federal ban on sports betting has led to a surge in the popularity of wagering in the United States. This landmark ruling paved the way for individual states to legalize betting on sports which… Read More »
Learn About What is a Teaser Popular Sports Different Options Payouts Tips Best Places to Bet In the world of sports betting, savvy bettors are always looking for ways to tilt the odds in their favor. One popular option that blends the thrill of parlays with a bit more control is the teaser bet. If… Read More »
Imagine being able to place bets on a game and win no matter the outcome. It sounds almost too good to be true, like finding free money in sports betting. This “can’t-lose” strategy is called arbitrage betting, also known as sure betting or arbing. Arbitrage betting takes advantage of differences in odds between sportsbooks to… Read More »
Imagine you’re one game away from winning a huge parlay, or your long-shot futures bet just made the championship game. You’re thrilled – but also a bit nervous. What if things go wrong and you walk away with nothing? This is where hedging comes into play. Hedging in sports betting lets you secure some winnings… Read More »
Sports bettors constantly debate whether it’s easier to beat the opening lines or the closing lines on a game. In other words, should you place your bet early when odds first drop, or wait until just before kickoff/tip-off? The truth is, both strategies have pros and cons. In this article, we’ll break down the differences… Read More »
Ever find yourself eyeing the odds for next year’s champion months in advance? That’s the thrill of futures bets. In sports betting, a futures bet is simply a wager on a long-term outcome that won’t be decided until down the road – usually at season’s end. Unlike a regular game bet that’s settled in a… Read More »
Alternate lines are simply different point spreads or totals offered by a sportsbook that deviate from the standard line. In other words, you’re not stuck with the one spread or over/under the book initially set – you can choose a “softer” or “harder” line, and the odds will adjust accordingly. It’s a way to control… Read More »
Ever find yourself lured by the huge payout on a longshot bet? You’re not alone. Many recreational bettors can’t resist the “big score” potential of a heavy underdog. Throw a few bucks on a 50-to-1 outsider and imagine the payday – it’s a thrilling dream. But here’s the kicker: sportsbooks love when we chase those… Read More »
Don’t let the tasty name fool you – the Grand Salami in sports betting isn’t something you eat! It’s actually a fun prop bet where you wager on the total number of runs or goals scored in all games on a given day for a particular sport. In other words, instead of betting the over/under… Read More »
Contrarian betting means betting against the popular, majority opinion – essentially doing the opposite of what most other bettors are doing. It’s often called “fading the public.” In plain terms, if the public is overwhelmingly betting on one team or outcome, a contrarian bettor will wager on the other side. The idea is to side… Read More »
Imagine you place 100 bets at $100 each with standard -110 odds. You win 50 and lose 50 – an even split. You might expect to break even, but instead, you’re down about $500. (Find out what percentage of bets you need to win to break even here.) What gives? The culprit is the “vig”… Read More »
Sports betting has its own lingo, and one term that every bettor eventually encounters is “the hook.” It’s not a fishing reference or a catchy song chorus – in betting circles, “the hook” simply means a half-point added to a point spread or total. That tiny 0.5 can be the difference between your bet winning,… Read More »
Most square bettors tend to ride the favorites more often than they bet on an underdog in baseball. The average Joe sees the team that should win and looks at the other team as the one who should lose. Losing is no fun. That makes it tough for a lot of amateur bettors. They can’t… Read More »
Understanding How to Bet & Handicap Winning Parlay Picks in Baseball How Parlays Work Most of you reading this article are likely already familiar with how parlays work. But, I wanted to take a quick second and explain it for anyone who isn’t familiar with this type of wager. A parlay is a single bet… Read More »
There are several different sports handicapping strategies that people use to beat the sportsbooks and make a profit. But what is top-down handicapping versus bottom-up? If you are going to learn how to bet on sports, then knowing as many different ways as possible to win is only going to help you accomplish your goals.… Read More »
If you want to win at sports betting you need to have an “edge,” but what is it? An edge is simply an advantage you have over the sportsbook. If you expect to make a long-term profit from betting, it means you’ve found an angle or a strategy that beats the market. Without an edge,… Read More »
To win in today’s sports betting landscape, information is everything—and nowhere is that more evident than when you’re tracking the market in real-time. An odds screen is arguably the sharp bettor’s most valuable resource, giving you a panoramic view of the action in one convenient place. Below are ten compelling reasons why having an odds… Read More »
When it comes to betting on totals—whether you’re talking football or basketball—everything begins with pace. The tempo at which teams run their offense lays the foundation for how many points you’re likely to see on the scoreboard. Here’s why: Handicapping Basketball Totals: Estimating Possessions In basketball, the key metric is the number of possessions. Each… Read More »
When the oddsmakers post their opening lines, it’s officially open season for bettors to drive the action. Spreads and totals will shift as the sportsbooks start taking on bets, and these moves can be triggered by a variety of reasons: sharp action, new information (like injuries), or simply an influx of public money that forces… Read More »
Welcome to the most advanced sports betting hedge calculator available today. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just starting, our tool is here to help you minimize risks and ensure you always get the best possible return on your wagers. Built with cutting-edge algorithms and a user-friendly interface, it’s the ultimate companion for smarter arbitrage… Read More »
If you want to get started betting on sports then the first thing I’d tell you to do is pick a sport and become a specialist. It’s easier to focus all of your time and energy on a single market than it is to spread yourself thin making bets on every sport under the sun.… Read More »
I have talked about edges in sports betting in the past and how professional bettors like myself typically achieve about a 2% ROI over the course of a year. Some people think that’s great, but other people think that’s too small to make it worth it. While I agree 2% ROI sounds less than a… Read More »
The first step in getting started with winning at sports betting is to figure out what approach you are going to use. We covered each one briefly in our guide to sports handicapping and then more in-depth with the following articles. Deciding your approach is the first step. You really need to match a… Read More »
When it comes to learning how to bet sports the only real metric that matters is how much you win. It doesn’t matter what sports handicapping method that you use to accomplish your goal. I do think you are better off building a sports betting model to give you an accurate idea of how a… Read More »
A sports betting model is used to predict the probability of an outcome in a certain event. The goal is take be able to take certain data about the teams or players and have a complex formula or algorithm produce an accurate picture of what is likely to happen in the contest. Prediction models are… Read More »
There are a lot of terms and jargon that you have to pick up when you are learning sports betting. One term that has gained traction in recent years is the octopus. I have to admit this one even had me scratching my head the first time I heard it. But what exactly does it… Read More »
I have covered a lot of terms and jargon that gamblers have to familiarize themselves with if they want to learn how to bet on sports. One term that leaves beginners scratching their heads is a “push.” But what exactly does it mean and how does it impact your betting strategy? Understanding the Meaning of… Read More »
If you are going to learn how to bet on sports you need to know all of the terminology used by novice and experienced bettors. One term that often pops up is the fade. What does it mean and how can it be strategically used to win as a sports handicapping method? Understanding the Concept… Read More »
There is a lot of unique jargon when it comes to sports betting, but one of my favorites is the term “mush.” But what exactly is a mush and why is it significant in gambling? Let’s take a look. History of the Meaning of Mush in Gambling A “mush,” was first depicted in the 1993… Read More »
If you are going to learn how to bet on sports then you are likely going to try to win. The problem is that the sportsbooks aren’t in the business of paying out money to their clients, they want to make a profit. One of the tools sportsbooks have to prevent losing is to limit,… Read More »
If you understand how to bet on sports and are good at predicting winners you might be interested in becoming a professional tipster. It can be a nice career where you make a living betting on games, and get a steady, supplemental income by offering your picks to fellow bettors. In this guide I’ll walk… Read More »
Are you tired of losing bets on soccer games that end in a draw? Do you find traditional betting options too limiting? Asian handicap betting might be just the solution you need! This exciting form of betting, popular in Asia and gaining traction in Europe, levels the playing field between two teams by giving a… Read More »
In the world of sports betting, there are a number of strategies gamblers have come up with in search of ways to increase their winnings over the sportsbooks. One strategy that has gained in popularity has been round robin betting. Let’s take a deep dive into understanding what a round robin bet is, including its… Read More »
Jump to Example Different Options Strategy If you are going to bet on baseball then it’s vital that you know all of the different options. Run line betting is a popular alternative to straight money lines and an important option to have in your MLB wagering toolbox. This article will cover the means and basics… Read More »
Jump to Example Different Options Strategy If you want to get the most out of your hockey betting then it’s important to understand the nuances of different betting options. One of the most popular options for the NHL is the puck line bet. This article delves into the meanings and basics of puck line betting… Read More »
Professional sports bettors lead a stressful life. They depend on their wins and losses to earn enough profit to make a decent living for themselves, and often times, for their families as well. Some of these cappers make the decision to sell their picks, but a lot of people look down on the tout industry.… Read More »
When it comes to betting on sports, knowing about key numbers is absolutely essential to having success. First and foremost, what exactly is a “key number”? For the uninitiated, key numbers are those numbers that show up most often as the final margin of victory or as the final point total in a given game… Read More »
My goal at Boyd’s Bets has always been to help clients make money by following my picks. But, I also want every one of my visitors and clients to gain knowledge about beating the books. Sports handicapping is the art and science of predicting the outcome of sports events. It involves in-depth research, analysis, and the… Read More »
If you’re aiming for a winning streak in your bets this football season, it’s crucial to leverage every possible advantage. One such factor that can significantly sway the outcome of a game is the weather. This article serves as your comprehensive guide on how to incorporate weather conditions into your NFL handicapping strategy. Decoding the… Read More »
Follow @boydsbets Learn About Why Bet It Beginners Guide How to Handicap My Process My job as a handicapper is to take advantage of any edge we can find, not just bet on primetime games on my favorite sports. Which is why I love golf, it is a sport that is easy for bettors to… Read More »
How to Use the Odds Calculator Enter the odds in your preferred format and instantly view how they are converted into other popular types. You may also manually adjust the bet amount in USD to calculate what your payout would be based on the odds provided. Just hit the reset button if you’d like to… Read More »
Welcome to the most comprehensive NCAA football betting guide on the planet! We’ve compiled an exhaustive list of resources with one goal in mind: to help you win more of your wagers! There’s No Such Thing as Too Much Quality Information To be sure, you need to find quality information, however, we belive that the… Read More »
Every team gets an edge playing in front of the home crowd. But, do you know exactly how much home field is worth for each MLB team? If you simply look at the league average over the years, you’ll find playing in the friendly confines is worth about 0.15 runs. That’s almost nothing. This is a little surprising. … Read More »
Welcome to the biggest and best baseball handicapping guide on the planet. Trying to handicap the MLB is no easy task. That’s why we’ve assembled a comprehensive list of tools and resources to help you beat the sportsbooks! Handicapping Major League Baseball: Finding What Works & What Doesn’t Baseball is a sport of statistics, perhaps… Read More »
Many novice bettors are told to stick only to straight bets. That’s because they don’t do the work or research to make wise investments with teasers and parlays. You too may have been told that parlay wagers are considered sucker bets. That’s not accurate at all. One time where they are a profitable proposition is… Read More »
Every single human suffers from cognitive biases. The book Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman takes a look at how humans make errors in decision-making due to biases and heuristics. No one is immune, but you can improve your decision-making (and sports betting) by becoming aware of your biases and taking them into account.… Read More »
Jump to Basics Payouts Key Numbers 6-Points 7-Points 10-Points It’s amazing how easy it is to profit betting college football teasers. That is of course as long as you bet them properly. If you are looking to expand your NCAA football handicapping, you came to the right spot. This article has everything you need at… Read More »
Most people have bet on, or at least heard of, teasers for football. Yet, in basketball, these are one of the most overlooked types of wagers available. And if you are going to win betting the NBA or CBB then you need to leave no stone unturned. Informed and disciplined bettors can make a lot of… Read More »
New to the industry? An understanding of how to bet or how to handicap games are critical to getting started. However, none of that matters if you don’t manage your bankroll properly. That’s why I created this article on the keys to money management when betting on sports. Before we get into it, there are… Read More »
How accurate are oddsmakers at setting totals as the size of the total rises? Our theory coming in was that as totals get bigger, oddsmaker accuracy would get worse. After all, you would expect a greater margin for error with more points scored. We went back through hundreds of totals and ran the standard deviation… Read More »
In a game that has less scoring, it would make sense that oddsmakers would be more accurate on the lines. The less total points scored by either team should make it much easier to determine the final score. The more accurate the line is at certain totals could be a great resource in several different… Read More »
This article is meant to help further your sports betting knowledge when it comes to parlays. The first thing we will cover is understanding what this bet is and how it works. We’ll also look at how the odds are calculated, payouts, house advantage, and benefits for making these wagers. Definition: Also known as combos,… Read More »
A question I am often asked is, “Should I hedge my parlay?” Well, first things first, I am not a fan of parlays unless they are correlated. Generally speaking, it is not a good way to consistently turn a profit. With that said, like so many things in life, parlays can be fun in moderation. I’d be… Read More »
When it comes to wagering money on sports, everyone seems to have “gut” feelings or predispositions to certain situations that they believe gives them an advantage. The problem with these feelings is that while they may appear rational at first blush, most do not hold up, either mathematically or when tested against historical results. These… Read More »
Just how accurate are the oddsmakers as point spreads change and grow? Most people would predict that as spreads increase in size, the accuracy of the oddsmakers at predicting the final score should fall. What we’ve done is examined the standard deviation on the ATS (against the spread) margin of thousands of games in all… Read More »
The table below shows the most common final combined scores for nearly 32,000 MLB games. This information is useful for those making wagers on the diamond. It allows them to see how often each number hits. MLB Key Numbers For Handicapping & Making Bets on Baseball Totals “Runs” represents the final score of each game.… Read More »
Losing can be a difficult habit to break. If you don’t take the right steps to correct your previous mistakes, you are going to continue to see similar results. The same principles holds true when it comes to betting baseball. You have to be willing to learn something from each loss and use it to your advantage… Read More »
Want to add a little more flavor to your MLB betting this season? You should add baseball series betting to your repertoire. WWagering on this is not the most common bet, and it is one that many bettors aren’t even aware of. In case you aren’t exactly sure what I’m referring to, this is what I mean.… Read More »
One of the key factors that amateur bettors routinely forget to check is the weather. Knowing the temperature and the direction the wind is blowing can drastically improve your baseball betting. Those that do look at the weather, typically only use it to determine whether a game might go over or under the total, but… Read More »
What is the advantage of home court in college basketball? Ask that question to five different people and you will get five different answers. Almost all of them are likely to give you a number between 3 and 6 points. The truth of the matter is that there is no simple answer to your question. The… Read More »
It’s time to bust some sports betting myths that I continue to hear year after year after year. These kinds of rumors are taken at face value simply because they “sound right.” But, you need to get rid of these biases when handicapping sports. Sometimes these beliefs are accepted because it serves some purpose in explaining losing wagers.… Read More »
Prepare to take your college basketball betting to the next level with the most comprehensive handicapping guide ever assembled. Using our complete list of tips and resources you will be extremely well-equipped to take on the sportsbooks from the regular season to the NCAA Tournament! Handicapping College Basketball: Information is Power You need to gather… Read More »
One way to handicap games is to use situations. Not surprisingly this method is called situational handicapping. Situational handicapping is one of the best ways to beat the NBA and NFL odds. What Are Situations? There are circumstances surrounding every single game. Some simple examples are previous game, upcoming game, weather, time of day, and… Read More »
Home field or court advantage doesn’t always mean talking about who wins most often at home. That’s part of it. But, what we really want to quantify when handicapping sports is how much it influences the score. The best way to figure this out is to compare the home/road splits from comparable schedules. This gives us an idea of how many… Read More »
Halftime betting has increased in popularity recently. Basically this is just a bet that is made at halftime of a game and is graded based on how the second half and overtime shake out. The game essentially starts over at 0-0 when the second half starts. You can take advantage of these halftime bets to… Read More »
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